Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White called the viral clip of Phoenix Mercury superstar forward Alyssa Thomas pushing on superstar guard Caitlin Clark's neck "egregious" in a fiery postgame statement on Wednesday night after her team's home loss.

The moment, which resulted in no action from the refs in what most assuredly would have been a Flagrant 2 and ejection for Thomas, had White strongly condemning Thomas and the officials for allowing it to slide.

White defended Clark, "a generational talent and a WNBA superstar," against what she alleged were two "cheap shots" during the game, the Thomas neck-pressing incident in question and what looked to be a reckless closeout on Mercury forward Valeriane Ayayi on a Clark 3-point attempt that possibly caused her game-ending back injury.

On the Thomas call, White was livid that the refs let it go, particularly after how scrappy Monday night's game got between the two teams.

"The fact that it was a no-call; I heard about it at halftime, I brought it to the attention of the officials at halftime, yet we still had 11 fouls in the fourth quarter to their two. They still shot 24 free-throws in the second half," White said postgame. "No. 1, you've got to call it. It's absolutely egregious and utterly disrespectful.

"Then, No. 2, you're coming in here aware of what happened two nights ago, and that [expletive] still happens? Absolutely unacceptable. Absolutely unacceptable."

Later, White called the Thomas play, a "fist in the throat" on Clark, "crazy" and "dangerous."

Here’s White after I asked about Clark’s injury and the fist to the neck, then @RomeovilleKid follows up: https://t.co/r1EoDrGYxipic.twitter.com/erKYxS0JZL

— Tony East (@TonyREast) June 25, 2026

#Fever HC Stephanie White on why she was so forceful in her criticism of how Caitlin Clark is officiated and the lack of calls she gets:

“Because they were so egregious. I mean, the fist in the throat is crazy. It’s crazy. It’s dangerous. … Eventually it gets more frustrating.” pic.twitter.com/iYFlhiD8pg

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) June 25, 2026

The reckless closeout from Ayayi on the Clark 3-point attempt went to the review table and still wasn't upgraded to a Flagrant 1 landing space violation, which White felt was just as bad.

"Absolutely disrespectful," White said of that second "cheap shot."

When asked about if the Fever would ask the league about how Clark is defended and officiated going forward, White was deeply frustrated by what she feels is a lack of consistency from the officiating crews.

"She is not called the same way everybody else is called," White said emphatically about Clark, which is White's fiercest critique of the WNBA officials this season yet.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Fever coach slams Alyssa Thomas, officials over Caitlin Clark 'cheap shots'

Angel Reese's latest tunnel walk has WNBA fans buzzing originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Angel Reese has made a habit of turning heads long before tipoff, and Wednesday night was no exception. Before the Atlanta Dream faced the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center, Reese arrived in another stylish pregame outfit that immediately caught fans' attention online. The Dream shared a video of her tunnel walk on social media, and it didn't take long for the comments to pour in.

The two-time WNBA All-Star has become one of the league's biggest fashion personalities, regularly making headlines for her game-day arrivals. This week's look only added to that growing reputation.

Angel Reese draws rave reviews with latest pregame look

Reese stepped into Chase Center wearing a coordinated pastel blue tweed outfit featuring a cropped jacket with silver buttons layered over a white crop top. She completed the look with a matching skirt, a silver chain belt draped around her waist and sleek cornrow braids.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Atlanta Dream (@atlantadream)

The Dream's Instagram post quickly filled with praise from fans:

"Chanel Barbie😍😍😍."

"ANGEL MFQUEEN REESE 👏🏽🤩😍👌🏽✨💪🏽🔥."

"Angel is my favorite person alive."

The reactions continued throughout the evening as Reese once again proved she's become one of the WNBA's biggest off-court attractions.

MORE: Sophie Cunningham's lingerie-inspired look steals the show before Fever game

Reese helping fuel Dream's impressive season

The buzz surrounding Reese's tunnel fashion comes while she's enjoying the best season of her WNBA career.

Entering Wednesday night's matchup, the 24-year-old was averaging a career-high 15.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Her production has been a major factor in Atlanta's strong start, with the Dream entering the contest riding a four-game winning streak and sitting at 12-4.

Atlanta reached the playoffs last season but was eliminated in the first round. With Reese anchoring the frontcourt and continuing to play some of the best basketball of her career, the Dream have emerged as one of the league's top contenders. Whether she's making plays on the court or making a statement in the tunnel, Reese continues to generate attention everywhere she goes.

More WNBA news:

• Caitlin Clark shows abs and USMNT pride before Fever-Mercury matchup
• The basketball world is starting to agree on one thing about Olivia Miles
• Mercury lose surprise rookie sensation as contract is temporarily suspended
• A'ja Wilson's technical foul could come with costly consequence after Aces blowout win
• Angel Reese's flagrant foul vs. Fever could come with immediate consequence

Editor's note: USA TODAY Sports is providing live updates for the Fever vs. Mercury here.

Caitlin Clark was red-hot to start the Indiana Fever's matchup against the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday, but her night was cut short in the third quarter due to injury.

Clark was subbed out of Wednesday's game with 5:15 remaining in the third quarter. Fever head coach Stephanie White called a timeout when the Mercury converted Clark's turnover into two points to tie it up at 67-all. Clark didn't reenter the game and headed back to the locker room before she was downgraded to out with a back injury.

The two-time All-Star started Wednesday on the Fever's injury report and was listed as probable due to back soreness, an ongoing issue that previously sidelined Clark in the Fever's win over the Portland Fire on May 20.

Clark was upgraded to available ahead of tipoff and was close to notching her fifth double-double of the season with 19 points and eights assists before her exit. She shot 5-of-9 from the field and 3-of-4 from the 3-point line.

Injury Update: Caitlin Clark (back) will not return to tonight's game.

— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) June 25, 2026

Caitlin Clark injury update

Caitlin Clark (back) was ruled out of Wednesday's matchup against the Phoenix Mercury, the Fever announced.

What happened to Caitlin Clark's back?

It's not clear when Caitlin Clark first injured her back, but she's been dealing with discomfort since the first game of the 2026 season. She temporarily exited the Fever's 107-104 season-opening loss to the Dallas Wings on May 9 and returned from the locker room with a wrap around her back. Clark revealed she left the court to get her "back adjusted" midgame because it "gets out of line pretty quickly."

Fever coach Stephanie White said it's going to be an "ongoing thing" this season for Clark, who was limited to 13 games last season due to multiple soft tissue injuries.

"It’s part of maintaining the body.... when we're all really young, we don’t learn proper mechanics, and it doesn't get exposed until something happens," White said on May 9. "This is going to be an ongoing thing. And not just her. We have multiple players who have gone back − we don't have the blue tent, but they're going to go back and get adjusted and make sure that the body's working."

Reach USA TODAY National Women’s Sports Reporter Cydney Henderson at chenderson@gannett.com and follow her on X at @CydHenderson.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news —  Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Caitlin Clark injury update: Fever guard ruled out with back issue

The WNBA referees have missed a pretty bad foul from Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas on Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark on Wednesday evening at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

During the first half of their latest matchup, Thomas got away with pressing her fist on Clark’s neck as the former tried to get the ball from the latter, who slipped to the floor during a drive. Thomas also stepped over Clark after the scramble for the loose ball.

Tensions have been brewing between these two teams after Monday’s battle resulted in multiple technical fouls following a dust-up between Caitlin Clark and DeWanna Bonner in the second half when they got tangled up in the paint while fighting for position.

The Fever eventually won 86-77, as Clark finished a game-high 24 points, three rebounds, and nine assists on 8-for-17 shooting from the field in 29 minutes of action. However, Clark slammed the officials during her postgame interview after receiving her fifth technical foul of the season for clapping.

MORE: Caitlin Clark shows off abs in USA soccer half jersey

Alyssa Thomas’ cheap shot to Caitlin Clark sparks fan backlash

WNBA fans strongly believe that Alyssa Thomas got away with a dirty play against Caitlin Clark, and that the referees should be held accountable. If the refs had caught it, Thomas would’ve probably gotten a Flagrant 2 foul and an ejection.

“The refereeing is just out of control in the WNBA. If they’re not careful one of, and perhaps the best, of their superstars will get seriously hurt,” a fan chimed in on X.

“Alyssa Thomas is the dirtiest player in the WNBA. She should be in the UFC, not the WNBA,” another fan added.

“Very disappointed in the refs for not calling that intentional attempt to maim,” one fan added.

“If the league doesn’t look at this @wnba @CathyEngelbert and fine Thomas, there is no question CC should take her talents and run,” said another fan.

It’s easy to see why Clark has consistently sounded off on the WNBA referees when plays like that go uncalled. On the other hand, this is just completely unnecessary from Thomas.

The Indiana Fever (10-7) look to complete a two-game homecourt sweep of the Phoenix Mercury (5-13) when they meet for the second straight game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Wednesday night.

How to Watch Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever

• When: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
• Time: 7:30 PM ET
• TV Channel: KPHE (Phoenix)
• Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)

Indiana came back from an early 13-point deficit to lead by as much as 21 in an 86-77 win over the Mercury on Monday night. Caitlin Clark went for 24 points and nine assists, Kelsey Mitchell scored 22 points and Monique Billings finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Fever.

The Mercury led 19-6 at the end of the first quarter before Indiana came back to tie the game at halftime and surge ahead after the break. Kahleah Copper paced Phoenix with 20 points before fouling out and Alyssa Thomas finished with 19 points and nine assists in the loss.

Clark, listed as a game-time decision with a back issue, leads the Fever with averages of 21.3 points and 8.2 assists while Mitchell gets 20.9 points per game. Aliyah Boston posts 16.6 points and 8.6 rebounds a night as well. Copper scores an average of 19.2 points for Phoenix while Thomas puts up 14.1 points and 8.4 assists per game. Natasha Mack grabs 8.3 boards an outing and is a game-time call with a foot ailment.

This is a great WNBA matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.

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Caitlin Clark shows abs and USMNT pride before Fever-Mercury matchup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Caitlin Clark has become one of the WNBA's biggest trendsetters long before tipoff. Whether it's tunnel fits, designer sneakers or casual game-day looks, fans eagerly wait to see what the Indiana Fever superstar is wearing before every game. Wednesday night was no different.

As the Fever prepared to host the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Clark arrived wearing a cropped U.S. Men's National Team shirt that showed off her toned midsection, pairing it with loose-fitting navy pants and white tennis shoes. It didn't take long for the Fever's social media post to begin making the rounds online.

Caitlin Clark brings USMNT spirit to Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Clark's outfit wasn't just another pregame fashion statement. The cropped USMNT shirt also doubled as a show of support for the United States men's soccer team, which is currently competing on home soil during the FIFA World Cup.

The look fit right in with the growing crossover between basketball and soccer, as athletes across multiple sports have been spotted supporting the national team throughout the tournament. For Clark, it was another reminder that her pregame arrivals have become an event of their own.

Over the past two seasons, nearly every Fever tunnel walk has generated discussion, whether because of a bold outfit choice or simply because fans want another glimpse of one of the most recognizable athletes in sports.

MORE: WNBA choosing Sophie Cunningham over Caitlin Clark isn’t even the worst decision made for its 30th anniversary poster

Clark enters game on another scoring tear

The fashion buzz comes as Clark continues playing some of her best basketball of the season. The Fever guard entered Wednesday averaging 21.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 8.2 assists while climbing near the top of the WNBA MVP conversation. She's also riding an impressive stretch offensively, scoring at least 21 points in six consecutive games.

That run included a 24-point, nine-assist performance against the Mercury earlier this week, helping Indiana earn an 86-77 victory. Clark was also cleared to play Wednesday after shedding her usual probable designation tied to back management.

Fever looking to keep climbing

Indiana entered Wednesday's matchup at 10-7, sitting third in the Eastern Conference and continuing to build momentum after an up-and-down start to the season. With Clark, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell leading the way, the Fever have positioned themselves as one of the WNBA's most dangerous teams entering the second half of the year.

Before she had a chance to add another highlight on the court, though, Clark already had fans talking. This time, it wasn't because of a deep three-pointer or a pinpoint pass.

It was because of a cropped USMNT shirt, a confident tunnel walk and another pregame look that quickly caught the attention of Fever fans across social media.

More WNBA news:

• The basketball world is starting to agree on one thing about Olivia Miles
• Mercury lose surprise rookie sensation as contract is temporarily suspended
• A'ja Wilson's technical foul could come with costly consequence after Aces blowout win
• Angel Reese's flagrant foul vs. Fever could come with immediate consequence
• Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese's latest on-court exchange quickly grabs attention during Fever-Dream matchup

Where to watch Fever vs. Mercury today: Channel, time, TV schedule, live stream for Caitlin Clark WNBA game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

After already meeting once this week, the Fever will host the Mercury for another matchup in Indianapolis Wednesday night.

Caitlin Clark led Indiana to a solid win over Phoenix on Monday, tallying 24 points and nine assists, while Kelsey Mitchell added 22 to the board. After a slow start, the Fever recovered with a 35-point second quarter and came back to seal the 86-77 victory. 

While the Fever are on a solid run, the Mercury (5-13) continue to consistently struggle. Kaleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas led the charge for Phoenix earlier this week with 20 and 19 points apiece, but the Mercury simply could not hold onto their early lead against Indiana.

Despite the loss, Thomas became the fastest player in WNBA history to record 500 assists with a single franchise, surpassing Clark in the achievement.

Can the Mercury fight back this time?

Here's everything you need to know about Fever vs. Mercury, including TV channel and streaming options for the WNBA matchup.

Where to watch Fever vs. Mercury today: TV channel, live stream

• TV channel: USA Network
• Live stream:DIRECTV

Fever vs. Mercury will be broadcast nationally on USA Network. Fans and cord-cutters can also stream the action live on DIRECTV.

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Start your FREE trial now and never miss a moment of the action. No contracts, no hassle, just wall-to-wall sports and entertainment.

What time is Fever vs. Mercury today?

• Date: Wednesday, June 24
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET  

The Fever and Mercury will go head-to-head on Wednesday, June 24 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The matchup will take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Indiana Fever schedule 2026

Here's a look at the Fever's next five matchups.

Phoenix Mercury schedule 2026

Here's a look at the Mercury's next five matchups.

Related Links

• Latest WNBA news and rumors
• WNBA scores, schedule 2026
• WNBA standings 2026

The New York Liberty (11-6) travel to Michelob ULTRA Arena to face the Las Vegas Aces (12-4) in a regular season WNBA matchup.

How to Watch Liberty vs Aces

• When: Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026
• Time: 10:00 PM ET
• TV Channel: KMCC – Vegas 34 (Out of Market)
• Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)

After an eight-game winning streak shot the Liberty up the WNBA standings, they have fallen back a bit, losing their last two games. Their last loss came at the hands of the Los Angeles Sparks, 98-97, in a game where the Liberty led by six heading to the final frame. Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones led the team in scoring with 18 points, while Pauline Astier had a terrific game off the bench, scoring 17 points with five assists, making all nine of her free-throw attempts.

Once at 4-3, the Aces have reminded everyone that they are contenders, winning eight of their last nine games. Their previous game was a laugher, as the Aces led 77-49 going to the fourth quarter. Jackie Young racked up 21 points and five assists, while A’ja Wilson added 19 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks in the win.

This is a great WNBA matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.

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Becky Hammon keeps snarky Jalen Brunson tone despite Knicks guard proving Aces coach wrong originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Becky Hammon was given a chance to address, if not apologize for, her 2023 comments on New York Knicks superstar Jalen Brunson.

Speaking to reporters prior to the Las Vegas Aces' showdown against the New York Liberty on Tuesday night, Hammon addressed her controversial comments that Brunson was too "small" to lead a team to an NBA championship, 10 days after Brunson led the Knicks to their first title in 53 years.

"I'm never gonna apologize for having an opinion, that's what ESPN pays me for," Hammon said.

In December 2023, Hammon said on ESPN that Brunson would have to become an outlier like Stephen Curry to lead the Knicks to a championship. At the time, Brunson was in his second season with the Knicks and had only one playoff series win to his name with the franchise.

"If your best player is small, you're not winning," Hammon said at the time.

MORE:Caitlin Clark had the perfect response to her fifth technical foul of the season

But now, Hammon has been proven wrong. And while she defended her comments from 2023, she acknowledged that Brunson -- who won Finals MVP after the Knicks vanquished the San Antonio Spurs -- was "brilliant" in the five-game series.

Becky Hammon on Jalen Brunson leading the Knicks to a championship: “Jalen, all he did was prove history wrong, he proves he's an outlier, so you can put his name next to Steph Curry and Isaiah Thomas, and I thought he played brilliantly, especially down the stretch.

— Madeline Kenney (@madkenney) June 23, 2026

MORE:Sky's slump continues with no end in sight after 29-point loss to WNBA-worst Sun

"He proves he's an outlier, so you can put his name next to Steph Curry and Isaiah Thomas, and I thought he played brilliantly, especially down the stretch," Hammon explained.

That response is the best the New York media and Knicks players are going to get upon Hammon's return to the Big Apple. They have a championship to celebrate, at any rate.

More WNBA news:

• Wings' Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd reach new milestone together in 112-110 win
• Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham to be fined after heated exchange with former Fever teammate
• Brittney Griner adds another chapter to Hall of Fame legacy with WNBA blocks record